Chancellor Douglas A. Girod sent the message below to all University of Kansas students, faculty and staff today.

Today’s announcement regarding changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status has generated understandable concern within our university community, particularly for those directly affected by this action.

Later today, I will join fellow Association of American Universities leaders in co-signing a letter urging Congress to immediately enact legislation that preserves DACA’s protections. The letter expresses our strong disappointment in the administration’s decision to end DACA, thereby invalidating the legal status of hundreds of thousands of students. We urge Congressional action enabling DACA participants to remain in the United States without fear of deportation.

The University of Kansas is committed to providing equal opportunity for all students. For the past five years, DACA has enabled these young people to pursue education and employment. I believe they represent what is best about America, and it is unfair to penalize them for circumstances outside their control.

We call on Congress to enact a permanent solution that codifies DACA’s protections. We will work with our higher education colleagues to contribute to the policymaking process in the coming weeks.

The university has developed a website with information and resources for DACA students and community members who may be in a position to aid others. Also, please rest assured that today’s announcement does not impact KU policies regarding disclosure of student records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. KU does not release student records without written consent from the student or a lawfully issued subpoena, warrant or judicial order.

Again, today’s announcement prompts understandable concern throughout our university. We remain deeply committed to supporting all our students, and we powerfully embrace the fullness of the diversity they bring to our university.